History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 70

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1168

USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire > Part 70

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Society Land, as if it were a town, kept records,- first date, 1782, and are full and well kept.

The following quotation (1797) may aid the curious inquirer. Three school districts were made by Ben- jamin Killam, Gideon Dodge and Isase Tenny, select- men.

-V / Robert Dinsmore, Nathaniel Farrington, Joseph Hardy, True Wol-tel, I-aar Tonny, Sila- Tenny, Matthias Puffer.

. 1.17 .- Joseph Huntington, John Colby, Andrew Taylor, John Puf- for, Corleon Dole, Nathan Cram, Benjamin Killam.

·S / Chn tích, Hugh Bell, Matthias Gibson, Zachens Pustin, Daniel Dane, Mees Favor, Thomas Wilson."

This purports twenty-one heads of families, and at that time living in Society Land. Some of these forms are identified, and three are still in the family naine. In early times the roads were poor and the full- steep. One informs the writer that her father was accustomed to go to market six times a winter; would load up, yo three and a half miles, leave his load, return home and rest the first night ; start early the next morning, and be absent near a week to Beverly, Salem or Boston. This was common seventy or eighty years ago. Some time since the estimate of cultivated land in this town was three thousand two hundred and ninety-nine acres, and when the country was new no doubt the crops were good. There are at present some excellent farms and well culti-

vated, whereas the many neglected ones should re- ceive more labor and more fertilizers, and so benefit the owners. Within a few years past some of the buildings have been repaired and painted,-an exam- ple that others might follow. The best cultivation of the soil helps the community.

The facilities from water-power is another item. The advantages are many ; five dams cross the river, the upper for the powder-mill, now owned by the Paper-Mill Company, to retain water for a time of need.

The Goodell Company have the second dam and the large shop attached. From this a telephone con- nects the one at Antrim, two miles distant. In this one the famous hammock-chairs are made. In many ways Bennington and South Antrim are inseparable, -- each quite dependent on the other.

The third dam is for grist-mill, saw-mill, shingle- mill, etc. The Hancock history will give early and late facts. First, Joseph Putnam, then Dustan's & Burtt's (father and sons), John Carkin, George W. Burus, Jonathan E. King, and now, John L. King. All the time business enough to cause the industrions to prosper.

The fourth dam was for the cotton-factory. This work was commenced about 1810 by Benjamin Whit- temore and his brother, the father of Amos; and soon, on the death of the second mentioned, Amos and his brother, George Alfred Whittemore, carried on the factory business for a few years. Rather the begin- ing of it was spinning cotton-yarn ; much of it was at first woven by the women in the old way.

The fifth dam is at W. T. Barker & Co.'s paper- mill, where they have made every essential im- provement,-laying new foundations, putting in steam-power for work continually, that no time be lost. The owner is prompt and thorough in his busi- ness, and seeks help that are willing to be faithful. Edward Finley, the leader in the mill, is a Scotch- man, trained to this from a boy. In the two years past the solid advancement has been marked.

Town Hall and School-Rooms .- For many years

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there had been two school districts in the village, and, after much discussion, it was decided to unite in one district, and have a graded school, primary and grammar. The town needed a hall for meetings and business. The committee to build the two were Hon. still lives in Quasqueton, Iowa. June, 1850, Rev. N. C. Ransom came and supplied three years. Rev. J. M. Whiton, D.D., having resigned at Antrim, removed here and preached till his last sickness and death, September 27, 1856. June, 1857, Rev. Daniel Mc- Amos Whittemore, William Eaton, C. J. Kimball, : Cleuning began a supply of near two years. Then George P. Griswold. The whole was finished 1871, Rev. William Claggett was here two years. August, at a cost for the former, $2456.27, and for the latter, | 1861, Rev. Enoch H. Caswell supplied, who was re- moved by death, November 11, 1863. After a few months Rev. Ira Morey came up from the oppres- sions of the South, and deeply interested the people,

$3800. It was said to be done in a workmanlike manner. It has been thoroughly repainted, and the past summer the roof has been slated ; cost, $313.87. The idea has been to secure the best teachers and the : though his health was frail, and he died November best schools. Much has been done for the youth in town, and in this the lovers of good order should per- severe.

On December 17, 1805, a Baptist Church was or- ganized and recognized by a couneil, at the house of Joseph Eaton, of Greenfield, by the name of the Peterborough and Society Land Baptist Church. The constituent members were John Colby, Joseph Eaton, Benjamin Nichols, Isaac Tenney, Jonas Dodge, Elizabeth Eaton, Mary Dean, Sally Eaton, Mary Darrah, Elder Farrier, Mary B. Haggitt, Mary Hall, Charity Dodge. November 27, 1807, Gideon Dodge united.

August 19, 1824, it was voted to call it Society Land Baptist Church. When Bennington was in- corporated, in 1842, the name was changed to Ben- nington Baptist Church, and August 29, 1857, it was voted to call it Antrim Baptist Church.

Very little is known of the early pastors of the church. As far as can be ascertained, they were Elders Elliott, Westcott, Farrar, Goodnow, McGregor and Joseph Davis, and Revs. J. A. Boswell, F. Page, John Woodbury, Zebulon Jones, Amzi Jones, J. M. Chick, S. L. Elliott.

Rev. W. W. Lovejoy was pastor from 1850 to 1855. On January 2, 1852, it was voted to hire Woodbury's Hall, at Antrim, and February 6, 1852, it was voted to hold the meetings all the time at South Antrim. The pastors since then have been Rev. W. Kimball, 1856-62; Rev. L. C. Stevens, 1863-65; Rev. W. Hur- lin, 1866-73, seven years, being the longest pastorate in the history of the church ; Rev. E. M. Shaw, 1873- 79; Rev. W. H. Fish, being stated supply from August, 1877, to April, 1878, during Mr. Shaw's ab- sence on account of sickness; Rev. H. F. Brown, 1879-84.

The 6th of July, 1839, a council was called and formed a Congregational Church. At this period the friends of the cause decided to build the meeting- house. A committee chosen,-John Dodge, Samuel Baldwin and Benjamin Whittemore.

Amos Whittemore took the contract to build, and for this he employed the most skillful workers. When finished it was dedicated with rejoicing.

Rev. Ebenezer Colman supplied two years. No- vember, 1841, Mr. Albert Manson was called and ordained as pastor, and continued nine years. He

27, 1864. December, 1865, Rev. Caleb Tracy began to labor and closed January 3, 1868. There are many months between the above supplies when there was only occasional preaching. November 6, 1869, Rev. James Holmes first preached, and continued till February, 1883. The church then sought a pas- tor, and, after the usual trial. chose Mr. Josiah 11. Heald, a student at Andover Seminary, who was or- dained as pastor September 10, 1884. The occasion was one of deep interest to the town, for the people rejoiced.

By the liberal subscriptions of the citizens and from large gifts of friends in other places the society has secured a personage which is another ground of rejoicing,-"Credit to whom it is due."

George Alfred Whittemore, $200; John D. Butler, $200; Samuel Baldwin, $100; Nathan Whitney, $100; George Andrew Whittemore, $50; Caleb Jewett Kim- ball, $50; D. H. Goodell, $25; A. M. Woodbury, $25; Willard S. Carkin, $25; other men in town, $20, $10 $5, or less sums ; over thirty ladies in this place, $10, $5 or less sums ; W. T. Barker & Co., 850; B. F. Whittemore, Boston, $25; Geo. E. Payson Dodge, Chicago, $50; Hon. W. B. Dinsmore, New York, 8250.

In this we see the. people had a mind to " gire."

The following have been the deacons of the church : Frederick A. Mitchell, May, 1840; Isaac Baldwin, May, 1840; Francis Burnham, September, 1845; John J. Whittemore, September, 1845; Charles H. Coggin, November, 1875; Charles H. Kimball, November, 1875.

The same year the meeting-house was erected the hotel was built by Arnold Burtt ; the house on that site was removed to where Abraham Burtt lives. The people rejoiced in having so large a public-house. That same season the new road to Francestown was made, which was a help to farmers and travelers. Before this time Mr. Burtt had built the residence that Geo. And. Whittemore owns, and not long after he erected the large farm-house shed and barn where his widow has since lived with her daughter and family, and the mother, the oldest person in town, born April 19, 1798. John and Betsey S. Carkin came to this town in 1823. He built the first gun- powder-mill in this section of the country and con- tinued the manufacture for over fifty years.

He died in 1883, aged ninety-one years. His wife

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died in 1866, aged seventy years. They had five in Antrim. As the railroad was building, Mr. Burns children,-Willard Smith, George Anson, Harriet was concerned in various ways. He has furnished employment to many men and teams, and is still operating. He sold the saw and grist-mill to Jonathan E. King, and at this writing John L. King has the whole care of the business. There is enough to give prosperity. AAugusta, Clintina Marion, Edward Jones,-now all dead but Willard, who still has his home in Benning- ton, but is extensively engaged in the chain of Western Lakes as a contractor in the dredging business. Also has coal-mines in West Virginia. Consequently remains at home very little, as his business has been entirely at the West for the last twenty years. John Carkin was a man well proportioned, six feet in height, two hundred pounds in weight. He was known in all this region and far away, as his teams carried the powder to market. His son Willard, when twelve years old, would drive one team and his father another. This son is, in many ways, like the tather. The residence of Mr. Carkin is pleasant, farm well cultivated, occupied by Mrs. Carkin and daughter, now in her teens. The history of this town has been made brighter by the benevolence of this man, as well as by the influence of his father and mother.

John W. Flagg came when a young man, had learned the trade of paper-making, then worked by hand-power. Esq. Flagg was one of the committee when the town was incorporated, and chosen the town clerk for a long series of years. He was naturally an efficient man, his penmanship superior, a great reader, fine memory ; now a well-preserved man, yet eighty-two last October. When in middle life he was in the excessive use of tobacco, but, becoming con- vinced of its injury, he reformed, and has since given his influence for the right, saying much to persuade youth to abstain, and is reaping the good fruit of his resolution. He stands in wide contrast with those steeped and infected with the poison, and, of course, he is a true temperance man.

Sammel Baldwin, in 1826, came from Antrim, set up the business of blacksmith, and soon built the brick house he has ocenpied ever since, except from 1832, when he was at North Branch some four years. Could the facts in his life be gathered and weighed, how much ground for thanks to Good, the Giver of all mercy, He is a strong man in body and mind. He has taken good care of himself, had a system in his labor, in his rest, has accomplished much and still lives in a green old age, eighty-two last June, but seems younger by ten years. He was one of the committee to build a church. He was a teacher in his youth of day-schools and in the Sabbath-school down to this present time. He was trusted with munch business and represented the town. Here it may be well to make mention of his son, Samuel Dexter, who in early life carried out goods; though frail in health, was energetic and suc- cesstul in business.

George W. Burns, whose home is at Milford, has spent much time in this town; for over twenty years has owned and operated the powder-mill ; also the grist- mill and saw mill ; has dealt very largely in wood and lumber. Lately has erected many dwellings here and

Caleb Jewett Kimball, son of Isaac and Lucinda (Tenney) Kimball, was born at Mason village, (now Greenville), May 7, 1817 ; married Ruth Burge Felt, daughter of David and Susan Pollard Felt, of Temple, November 11, 1841. Located at Milford and resided there till 1849, when they removed to Wilton, where they remained till September 18, 1851, when they re- moved to this town. Mr. Kimball's business was that of a blacksmith and tool-maker. In 1860 he com- menced the manufacture of hoes and continued for a term of years. In 1873 his son, George E., became equal partner in the manufacture of edge-tools and cutlery, employing some ten men. Mr. Kimball was superintendent of the Congregational Sabbath-school fourteen consecutive years, 1860 to 1874. A consist- ent member of the church and society, very judicious in his counsel. The writer is pleased to testify that Mr. Kimball and his three sons have nothing to do with strong drink and tobacco.

Frederick H. Kimball has secured the most desir- able and sightly location in the village, and erected a home of much taste and value. His carpenter, Albert Goodwin, of New Boston, has earned in this place a high character in his trade.

Josie Caldwell has built a neat and convenient home for herself and daughter, now six years old, and will not need to move from house to house. She adds one new residence to the town.

In the records of Society Land we learn that the Dodge farm was taken up in 1783. Gideon Dodge, son of James Dodge, of New Boston, married Charity Cole, of Beverly, Mass., March 10, 1785, and moved to the house he had built.

Of the four sons, John was the one who stayed at home, and he was a leader in Society Land and Ben- nington till his death, at the age of seventy-two. This was September 23, 1865. A few years since, the family built a large addition to the house, and the place is called "Bennington Heights." The best barn and shed in the town; the former, one hundred feet long, is slated. Near by stands the venerable elm of one hundred years' growth.

The Andrew Taylor farm is now owned by Eugene Holt. The brick house was built by Mr. Taylor about 1800. The present owner has built the ell and fitted the whole for boarders.

May 15, 1797, is the family record of Moses and Susanna Favor. The sixth child's name was Emer- son, born July 26, 1800.

James E. Favor, his son, owns the homestead. Three years since, the house was burned; the barn was saved. He soon, with courage, erected a fine

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boarding-house, neat and commodious, the roof slated. The site is high. The scenery is delightful and is quite attractive to summer boarders. It is three miles from the railroad station. The proprietors of all these houses have teams to carry their patrons and friends, and so make their stay pleasant and healthful.

John F. Dodge, son of Solomon and Susan Felch Dodge, born November 30, 1833, has been these many years a noted, stirring man in town, a ready writer and correspondent for newspapers.

W. D. Woods and family are all natural singers, possessing much taste and skill in the church at funerals and in all social entertainments. Mr. Woods has often composed hymns and tunes to be used in special cases, which are a comfort to friends.

He and his brother, Eben F., were for a time asso- ciated together in tool manufacture, and invented improvements, taking patents that are used by the Goodell Cutlery Company. Mrs. E. F. Woods has for a long time assorted the articles made, and is quick to see any defect. Now it takes seven ladies of taste and skill to do that part. Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Woods ride two miles morning and evening to fill their mis- sion.

Hugh Bell, son of Abigail Kitterage Bell, born in Andover, Mass., February 11, 1771, married Nancy, daughter of Captain David and Sarah C. Wilson, of Deering. Eight children. Now, November 11, 1884, four are living. Twenty-one grandchildren and thir- ty-two great-grandchildren. Mr. Bell's daughter Betsey became the wife of Samuel Baldwin. Nancy, another daughter, is Mrs. Jameson, of Antrim, who has suffered so much about her sight.

Wesley Wilson, born March 25, 1810, has lived in the town from his childhood. A carpenter by trade, and does well in many others, as mason, painter, paper-hanger, pattern-maker. He thinks, is well- informed, has done much in all town business, repre- sented the town and is one to be trusted. He it was who finished the inside of the meeting-house.

He built the house from which Esquire Flagg has just moved. Also the one this way from Mr. Carkins'. Besides, he has fitted up many other houses. Buying the Deacon Burnham residence, has refitted the house, shed, barn and yard-fence in the best style. He married Rachel Caldwell, September 18, 1834; she died September 25, 1884, they having lived together over fifty years. Their children are Orville, born June 15, 1838; Orline A., born December 23, 1840.

Hon. Amos Whittemore waslong a prominent actor in the history of Bennington ; born March 3, 1802; married Ruth Bullard, December 6, 1825. Before this he had commenced business in the village.

The cotton-factory was built, and this youth when about eighteen bought the machinery for it. The material came to use ; the large and small things were planned. A boarding-house was required, and the large brick house was erected. Some time after it was made two tenements, as it is now. It required means,

skill and energy. He built the brick store, then his own house, besides many others. He was kind to help others, often became surety and sometimes to his own hurt. He was a benefactor to the town ; gave land where he wished a vestry might be erected. The citizens do hold his name in high esteem. In early years he represented the town and later was State Senator.

George Alfred Whittemore, his brother, was born October 12, 1807. These two were workers together in many ways for the good of the community. This brother, as you have already read, headed the subscription for the parsonage and annually helps to support the minister and make up the charitable contributions. He was the first post- master and continued some thirty years, and represen- tative to Concord.

Another brother, John J. Whittemore, born March 6, 1810, married Sarah Bullard, December 5, 1834. She was born February 20, 1809. This man was most valuable in every place he filled. He was chosen deacon, and felt diffident about accepting the office; yet he did accept, and the few years he lived proved that he did right. Was much trusted and represented the town at Concord.

These parents had two sons and one daughter, all trained to industry. How great the change when, by a short sickness, the husband and father was called to his reward, December 9, 1859 ! God's promises have been fulfilled to her who so deeply mourned.

The oldest son of this deacon, John, was many years ago chosen deacon, and just at this writing re- chosen that he may fill the place of his father.

George Andrew Whittemore, born April 21, 1837. He fills a most vital place in the town ; has had the confi- dence of all classes. Has often been urged to accept of office, but is slow to accept ; yet years since so unani- mous was the vote for him as town treasurer that he accepted, and has been a number of years re-elected. He was chosen treasurer of the Congregational So- ciety after the death of his Uncle Amos, who had filled the office some forty years. He was first on the com- mittee to secure the parsonage. Has been postmaster since 1862.

Robert Dinsmore, born in Windham, November 14, 1751, married Sarah Dickey, settled in Society Land, where, from 1781 and after, he was often in town office. They had eleven children. John, born March 23, 1781, remained at home, married Betsey Talbot, of Francestown. He died November, 1843. Horace Fuller, a son, born February 25, 1814, resides in Francestown. Betsey, daughter of the above Robert, born March, 1796, married John Dodge, the father of John C. Dodge, who has six children, three sons and three grandchildren living. This John C. Dodge has had all kinds of town office,-representative 1868 and 1869.

Samuel Abbott came from Andover, Mass., 1801; married Mrs. Ann Wallace. They had three children.

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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

One of these still lives in Amherst,-Mrs. Sarah , has lived in Nashua, is a civil engineer, was employed Dodge, a widow, eighty years of age, a lady of much in building the railroad to Keene last November. He was chosen to represent the town March, 1885. energy and benevolence. Mr. Abbott was very promi- nem in town-meetings ; died March 29, 1833.

Samuel Abbott, the oldest man now living in town, was born in Hillsborough, October 18, 1800. He is living with a daughter, Mrs. Wilkins. In the house are four generations at present time.

William Gillis, born January 30, 1803, married Porcas Pettee, and have lived where they now do more than fifty years.

Charles Gray, born in Hancock, December 19, 1800. Married, first, Edna Wilson, 1820; seven children. Married, second, Olivo Stiles; child, Augustus W., born May 28, 1843, who married, January 25, 1866, E. Abbie Wilkins, Twosons,- George A. and Charles H., now living, youth of high promise. The father was three years in the war to crush the Rebellion. He is popular ; a moderator of town-meetings.

Samuel Whitney, son of Smyrna and Ruth ( Whit- ney ) Whitney, of Westminster, Mass., born March 7, 1621, bought the paper-mill of G. P. Hall, 1865. Mill burned February 20, 1867, and rebuilt by him the same year. He died in Fitchburg, March 31, 1868.

Nathan Whitney, brother of Samuel, born in West- minster, July 20, 1828. Came to Bennington Septem- ber, 1866; took an interest in the paper-mill with his brother Samuel, which continued till the mill was sold to settle the estate of Samuel Whitney. He then continued to run the paper-mill in company with Lyman Patch, of Fitchburg, Mass., till December 1, 1871. In 1876 he hired the mill built by Taylor D. Lakin, and put in wood-pulp machinery, and run it three years.

Nathan Whitney married, first, Mary S. Tolman, November 27, 1850; second, Charlotte M. Belcher, November 30, 1864. Their children are Frank E., born June 9, 1853; Caroline L., born December 25, 1556; William B., born June 10, 1866; Samuel E., born October 12, 1867.

Frank E., a graduate of Dartmouth, 1878, settled as physician, Rochester, N. H. ; Carrie married Dr. Hadley, resides at Block Island; William B., in Am- herst College; Samuel E., ready to enter this coming summer.

B. F. George owns the place of his ancestors. He

Town Clerk, William H. Darrah ; Treasurer, George Andrew Whittemore; Selectmen, Wesley Wilson, B. F. George, E. J. Dodge; Superintendent, Rev. J. Il. Heald. Population, seven hundred and ninety- three.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

SAMUEL BALDWIN.

Samuel, son of Isaac and Bethia (Poole) Baldwin, grandson of Colonel Nahum and Martha (Low) Bald- win, of Amherst, was born in Antrim, June 15, 1802. In early manhood he established himself at Benning- ton (then Hancock Factory village) as blacksmith, building, before marriage, his shop and house, where he lived fifty-four years. He married, September 30, 1830. Betsey G. Bell, daughter of Hugh and Naney (Wilson) Bell, of Francestown, who died August 5, 1862. A family of seven children were born to them, two sons and five daughters (three of the latter of whom survive their father).

Improving to the utmost his limited advantages for education, very fond of reading, and a close ob- server, he was well informed on all subjects of gen- eral interest ; earnest, liberal, public-spirited, he was thoroughly identified with all the interests of the town, serving as representative in 1857 and 1858, and on committee in various public enterprises ; was the first manufacturer of cutlery in town ; retired from a successful career in 1870, devoting his last years to farming, which he mueh enjoyed. He married, sec- ond, Mrs. Martha (Gregg) Lear, of Manchester, January 18, 1871, who died February 24, 1880; third, Mrs. Margaret (Temple) Peaslee, of Nashua, May 2, 1882, who survives him.

Mr. Baldwin died February 18, 1885, after a long life of unwearied industry, fidelity to duty and spot- less integrity,-a loving father, a faithful friend and an humble Christian.

Samuel Balcon

HISTORY OF BROOKLINE.

BY ITHAMAR B. SAWTELLE.

CHAPTER I.

BROOKLINE is situated on the southerly border of the county, having Milford on the north, Milford and Hollis on the east, Pepperell and Townsend, in Mas- sachusetts, on the south, and Mason and Milford on the west. It has an area of ten thousand two hundred acres, nearly four hundred of which are covered with water. Except a square mile, taken from its northwest corner in 1794, when the town of Milford was incorporated, it is quadrilateral in form. the longer lines extending north and south. It is drained by the Nissitisset River, which is formed principally by the confluence of small streams from Mason and Milford. It passes through the town in a southeasterly direction, entering the southwest cor- ner of Hollis, and onward through a part of Pepper- ell, where it empties into the Nashua. Its waters are extensively utilized in each of these three towns to drive machinery. There are two natural ponds in this town,-the Massapetanapus,1 situate in the southern part, near its postal centre, and Lakin's Pond, in the northeast part. The former is about a mile in length, varying from one-third to one-half of a mile in width; the latter is much smaller, but an exceedingly beautiful sheet of water. These ponds are much frequented by sailing and fishing-parties. The surface of the town is uneven, and the soil for cultivation is generally ordinary ; still, there are some farms which well pay the husbandman for his toil, yielding the fruits, grasses and grains in abundance. In order to give a distinct idea of the manner in which this town came into existence, from its frag- mentary origin, it will be necessary to give some dates of the grants of land from the General Court of the province of Massachusetts Bay. In 1673 the old town of Dunstable (then and until the running of the province line in 1741 in Middlesex County) was incorporated, and embraced within its limits more than two hundred square miles of land. The whole of the towns of Nashua, Hollis, Hudson, Dunstable and Tyngsborough, and parts of the towns of Am-

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History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 70

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1168